Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics

Compound Semiconductor Research & Developmentiaf.fraunhofer.de

Fraunhofer IAF is a German non-profit applied research institute specializing in III-V compound semiconductors (GaN, AlScN, diamond, SiC). It conducts R&D and contract services in GaN power electronics, diamond-based quantum technologies, and optoelectronics for industrial, academic, and SME customers across Europe.

Company typePrivate
Founded1957
HeadquartersFreiburg, Germany
Headcount101–250
GTM typeB2B
OfferingServices

What Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics does

Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics (Fraunhofer IAF) is a non-profit applied research institute headquartered in Freiburg, Germany, founded in 1957 and operating as a constituent entity of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft. The institute specializes in III-V compound semiconductors — including gallium nitride (GaN), aluminum scandium nitride (AlScN), silicon carbide (SiC), and synthetic diamond — and operates a complete vertical value chain from MOCVD epitaxy and device fabrication through circuit/module development to prototype demonstrators. Its research portfolio spans GaN-based power electronics (including a world-record 99.74% efficient multilevel DC/DC converter and 1200V GaN HEMTs on insulating substrates), GaN high-frequency electronics, optoelectronic devices, and quantum technologies based on nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond targeting room-temperature operation. Fraunhofer IAF also contributes to laser-based inertial fusion targetry through the IFE Targetry HUB and participates in the Airbus-led Multifunctional Fuselage Demonstrator (MFFD) for thermoplastic composite aircraft structures.

The institute serves three primary customer segments: industrial companies in automotive, aerospace, energy, and telecommunications seeking custom compound semiconductor devices and GaN power electronics; research institutions and universities collaborating within EU- and BMBF-funded consortia; and SMEs targeted through the INQUBATOR programme for quantum computing access. Notable industry partners include Airbus, SAAB, GKN Fokker, DLR, Rohde & Schwarz (6G research), Quantum Brilliance, and Focused Energy GmbH. End-application evidence includes low-noise amplifier (LNA) chips on the European weather satellite MetOp-SG-A1, an ESA CubeSat demonstrating the world's first 75 GHz beacon from space, ESA Type-2 Super Lattice infrared detector contracts, and AI-driven CMOS chip design via the FIZ Chip AI in Heilbronn with Fraunhofer IIS.

Fraunhofer IAF's revenue model is hybrid: (1) public research funding and grants from German federal ministries (BMBF, BMWK), EU framework programmes (Horizon Europe, Quantum Flagship), and the state of Baden-Württemberg; (2) fee-based contract R&D services including custom epitaxy, device fabrication, measurement services, multi-project wafer runs, and application laboratory access; and (3) technology licensing and transfer to industrial partners. It coordinates or participates in major EU/BMBF consortia including SPINUS (EU Quantum Flagship, 2024–2028, 12 partners), SPINNING (BMBF, 2022–2025), IFE Targetry HUB (BMBF, 15 partners), INQUBATOR (2025–2029), and GENESIS (58 European partners, 2025). The institute is one of 13 members of the Forschungsfabrik Mikroelektronik Deutschland (FMD), Germany's flagship microelectronics applied research network. Governance rests with dual institute directors Prof. Dr. Rüdiger Quay and Dr. Patricie Merkert. Revenue is not publicly disclosed; pricing for contract services is negotiated on a project basis.

Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics firmographics

Firmographics

Name: Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics
Legal name: Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft zur Förderung der angewandten Forschung e.V.
Website: https://iaf.fraunhofer.de
Company type: Private
Founded year: 1957
Operating status: Operating
Headcount range: 101–250 employees
Short description: Fraunhofer IAF is a German non-profit applied research institute specializing in III-V compound semiconductors (GaN, AlScN, diamond, SiC). It conducts R&D and contract services in GaN power electronics, diamond-based quantum technologies, and optoelectronics for industrial, academic, and SME customers across Europe.
Ownership category
akta.pro rank

Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics industry classification

Industry

Product category: Compound Semiconductor Research & Development
NAICS: Scientific Research and Development Services (5417), Research and Development in Nanotechnology (541713), Semiconductor and Related Device Manufacturing (334413)
SIC: Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Instruments For Meas & Testing Of Electricity & Elec Signals (3825)
akta.pro primary industry: Foundry Platform & Design Enablement Services (PDK/DFM/Process Qualification) (HDAHACAJ)

Keywords

Compound semiconductor research
III-V semiconductor devices
GaN power electronics
Quantum computing systems
Epitaxy services

Where Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics is headquartered

Location

Headquarters

HQ city: Freiburg
HQ country: Germany
HQ region: Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics business model

Business model

GTM type: B2B
Offering type: Services
Cost components: Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations

Revenue model

Public Research Funding & Grants: Fraunhofer IAF operates as a publicly funded research institute receiving grants from German federal ministries (BMBF, BMWK), the EU (Horizon Europe, Quantum Flagship), and state governments (Baden-Württemberg). Projects include SPINNING (BMBF), SPINUS (EU Horizon Europe), GaN4EmoBiL (BMWi), ElKaWe (BMBF lighthouse project), and INQUBATOR (BMBF).
Contract Research & Development Services: The institute offers fee-based contract epitaxy, custom device fabrication, measurement services, application laboratories, and Multi-Project Wafer Runs to industry clients. Services include epitaxy on demand, NV diamond processing, high-frequency measurement systems, material analytics, and module/IC development.
Technology Licensing & Transfer: The institute transfers developed technologies, patents, and know-how to industry partners through licensing agreements and collaborative development, contributing to the commercialization of quantum computing, GaN power electronics, and optoelectronic systems.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels7 records

Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics product offering

Product offering

Core offering

Fraunhofer IAF conducts applied research and provides contract development on III-V compound semiconductors (GaN, AlScN, diamond, SiC), covering MOCVD epitaxy, device fabrication, circuit and module design, and prototyping of demonstrators. It offers GaN power electronics (including 1200V HEMTs and bidirectional EV charging modules), GaN high-frequency electronics, optoelectronic devices, AI chip design, and quantum technologies (NV-center diamond quantum computing/sensing). The institute delivers these through public research consortia (BMBF, EU), contract R&D, application laboratories, multi-project wafer runs, and technology licensing to industrial and academic partners.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

Contract Epitaxy (Auftragsepitaxie) Fee-for-service MOCVD epitaxy of III-V compound semiconductor wafers (GaN, AlScN, related materials) on customer-specified substrates, delivered as part of Fraunhofer IAF's application laboratory services for industrial and academic clients.
NV-Diamond Epitaxy and Processing Specialized service line for epitaxial growth and device processing of nitrogen-vacancy (NV) diamond, supporting customers building quantum sensors and spin-photon quantum processors.
Multi-Project Wafer (MPW) Runs Shared-mask, shared-processing wafer runs that enable multiple customers to jointly fabricate compound semiconductor devices, reducing per-client cost for GaN and related III-V device prototyping.
High-Frequency Measurement Systems RF and high-frequency measurement services for compound-semiconductor devices and circuits, including on-wafer and cryogenic characterization, offered to industrial and academic customers.
Semiconductor Material Analytics Materials analytics services for compound semiconductors, providing physical and chemical characterization of wafers, films, and processed devices for industry and academia.
Module and IC Development Development of electronic modules and integrated circuits based on Fraunhofer IAF compound-semiconductor devices, including packaging, hybrid integration, and customer-specific electronic module design.
3D Measurement Laboratory Robotics-assisted 3D measurement services for device and module characterization, accessible to industry and research partners as part of the institute's laboratory portfolio.
Laser Spectroscopy Application Laboratory Application laboratory providing laser spectroscopy measurement and development services for industrial customers, leveraging the institute's quantum and optoelectronics expertise.
Quantum Sensing Application Laboratory Application laboratory delivering customer projects in quantum sensing based on NV-diamond and related quantum technologies, including sensor prototyping and field-application studies.
Quantum Computing Application Laboratory Application laboratory enabling customers to access Fraunhofer IAF's quantum computing hardware and expertise, supporting joint R&D projects, benchmarking, and pilot use cases.
GaN Power Electronics Portfolio Portfolio of GaN-based power electronic devices, circuits, and demonstrators (including 1200V GaN HEMTs on insulating substrates and GaN-based 800V bidirectional DC EV charging modules) developed and transferred to industry.
GaN High-Frequency Electronics Portfolio Portfolio of GaN-based high-frequency and microwave electronic devices (including low-noise amplifiers used in ESA satellites and CubeSat beacons) developed for RF, microwave, and space applications.
AI Chip Design Service AI-driven CMOS chip design service operated jointly with Fraunhofer IIS at the FIZ Chip AI research center in Heilbronn, providing custom CMOS chip design for AI workloads to industry partners.
INQUBATOR Quantum Computing Programme Four-year Fraunhofer-led programme (2025-2029) offering German companies, particularly SMEs, low-cost access to quantum computing hardware, training, and joint R&D projects through open-call industry projects.
European Pilot Lines (APECS and SPINS) EU Chips Act-backed pilot lines for chiplet integration (APECS) and semiconductor-based quantum technologies (SPINS), giving European companies access to advanced packaging, heterogeneous integration, and diamond quantum technology supply chains via Fraunhofer IAF.

Quantifiable outcome

GaN-based multilevel DC/DC converter achieved 99.74% electrical efficiency vs. <90% previously, setting a world record for electrocaloric heat pump charge/discharge efficiency
+3 more outcomes

Companies that use Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics

Customer profile

Named customers1 record

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics technology and API

Technology

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API: No
API docs
API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration8 records

Feature7 records

Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics partnerships and signals

Strategic signal

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered major and core.

INQUBATOR Programme Partners (industry companies)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2025Four-year Fraunhofer-led INQUBATOR programme (2025–2029) bringing quantum computing to German industry, targeting SMEs not yet active in quantum. Initial use cases span medicine, cybersecurity, insurance, and automotive. At least eight more industry projects planned via open call.
GENESIS Project (58 European partners)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025EU Horizon Europe three-year project launched May 2025 to advance sustainability in semiconductor manufacturing by addressing PFAS chemicals, greenhouse gas emissions, critical raw material dependency, and waste circularity. Four technology pillars: emissions monitoring, PFAS-free materials, waste minimisation, and CRM mitigation.
SPINUS Consortium (12 international partners)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024EU Quantum Flagship project 'SPINUS' coordinated by Fraunhofer IAF, pursuing scalable solid-state quantum simulation (>50 quantum units) and quantum computing (>10 qubits) using NV centers in diamond and SiC. Funded by EU Horizon Europe under grant agreement No. 101135699, duration 2024–2028. Partners include University Ulm, DTU, University Stuttgart, Forschungszentrum Jülich, Universiteit Hasselt, Linköpings Universitet, TU Delft, Wigner Research Centre, Fondazione Bruno Kessler, Quantum Brilliance GmbH, AMIRES SRO.
IFE Targetry HUB Consortium (15 partners)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024BMBF-funded project 'IFE Targetry HUB' for laser-based inertial fusion, coordinated by Fraunhofer IAF and Focused Energy GmbH. 15 partners (research + industry) developing targets for DT (deuterium-tritium) inertial fusion — a key bottleneck technology for fusion power plants. Three-year project.
SPINNING Consortium (6 universities, 2 non-profits, 5 companies, 14 associated partners)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022BMBF-funded joint project 'SPINNING' developing a diamond spin-photon-based quantum computer demonstrator. Fraunhofer IAF coordinates the consortium targeting synthetic diamond-based spin qubits (NV, SiV, GeV, SnV), initially with 10 qubits scaling to 100+. Funded by German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) under grant 13N16209, 2022–2025.
Forschungsfabrik Mikroelektronik Deutschland (FMD)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFraunhofer IAF is one of 13 member institutes of the Forschungsfabrik Mikroelektronik Deutschland (FMD), Germany's most powerful provider of applied research in micro/nanoelectronics, funded by the BMBF. The FMD provides a unified infrastructure for semiconductor R&D across Germany.
Kompetenzzentrum Quantencomputing Baden-Württemberg (KQCBW)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFraunhofer IAF (Freiburg) coordinates the Quantum Computing Competence Center BW jointly with Fraunhofer IAO (Stuttgart), providing a quantum computing network with training programmes, developer conferences, and collaborative R&D for industry.
QuantumBW (Quantum Technology Network Baden-Württemberg)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerQuantumBW is the quantum technology network for Baden-Württemberg, co-coordinated by Fraunhofer IAF. Activities include QuantumBW Autumn School, Developer Conference, Colloquium, and the QuantumBW Atlas for ecosystem visibility and networking.
Quantum Sensing Hub FreiburgcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFraunhofer IAF co-coordinates the Quantum Sensing Hub Freiburg, a local network advancing quantum sensing technologies and their industrial applications.
APECS Pilot Line (EU Chips Act)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerChiplet integration pilot line under the EU Chips Act framework, with Fraunhofer IAF expanding its chiplet innovation capabilities. Enables European companies to access advanced packaging and heterogeneous integration technologies.
SPINS Quantum Pilot Line (EU-supported)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSemiconductor-based quantum pilot line 'SPINS' launched with EU support at Fraunhofer IAF, creating a European supply chain for diamond-based quantum technologies.
Fraunhofer IAO (Stuttgart)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoordinator of the Kompetenzzentrum Quantencomputing Baden-Württemberg alongside Fraunhofer IAF, providing quantum computing training and R&D support.
Fraunhofer IIS (Erlangen) — FIZ Chip AImajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerFraunhofer IAF and Fraunhofer IIS collaborate at the Fraunhofer Forschungs- und Innovationszentrum (FIZ) Chip AI in Heilbronn for AI-driven CMOS chip design research.
Rohde & SchwarzmajorTechnology or IntegrationCollaboration between Fraunhofer and Rohde & Schwarz for 6G mobile communications research, combining IAF's compound semiconductor expertise with Rohde & Schwarz's test and measurement capabilities.
Quantum Brilliance GmbHmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry partner in SPINUS and SPINNING consortia; Quantum Brilliance provides room-temperature quantum accelerator technology and is based in Germany.
SAAB, GKN Fokker, DLR, Delft University of Technology (MFFD Consortium)majorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMFFD (Multifunctional Fuselage Demonstrator) consortium led by Airbus with 13 partners including SAAB, GKN Fokker, DLR, and Delft University of Technology. Fraunhofer IAF contributed technologies toward thermoplastic composite fuselage for commercial aircraft, winning the JEC Innovation Award.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics competitors and assessment

Company assessment

Broad incumbents

Qorvo: US-listed RF semiconductor company with a major GaN HEMT product portfolio serving aerospace, defense, and 5G. Significant technology overlap with Fraunhofer IAF's GaN-on-insulating-substrate RF electronics — Qorvo is a likely downstream licensee and commercial-scale counterpart.
Rohde & Schwarz: German test-and-measurement equipment company with a 6G mobile communications research collaboration with Fraunhofer IAF — operates a substantial in-house semiconductor and high-frequency electronics R&D function, complementing Fraunhofer IAF's RF and microwave device capabilities with measurement system expertise.
Wolfspeed: US-listed SiC and GaN power semiconductor manufacturer with vertical-integration from substrate to module. Comparable technology overlap with Fraunhofer IAF's GaN power electronics and 1200V device platforms, but operating as a commercial scale manufacturer rather than research institute.

Others

Aixtron: Germany-based supplier of MOCVD deposition equipment used by every GaN, GaAs, and SiC device manufacturer worldwide. Aixtron's tools underpin Fraunhofer IAF's epitaxy infrastructure, making it a critical enabler/supplier peer in compound semiconductor manufacturing equipment.

Direct peers

imec: Belgium-based applied research center in nanoelectronics and digital technologies. Most directly comparable applied semiconductor research model globally — operates a similar multi-partner, project-funded model across compound semiconductor, quantum, and photonics programs serving industrial clients.
CEA-Leti: French microelectronics research institute running multi-project wafer services, compound semiconductor R&D, and quantum technology programs funded by French government and EU sources. Closest European institutional peer to Fraunhofer IAF in mission and structure.
Fraunhofer IIS: Sister Fraunhofer institute based in Erlangen with semiconductor, IC design, and RF systems research — joint operator of the FIZ Chip AI research center with Fraunhofer IAF. Most direct internal network peer sharing the Fraunhofer governance and funding model.
IQE plc: UK-based compound semiconductor wafer foundry offering MOCVD epitaxy services and Multi-Project Wafer Runs for GaN, GaAs, InP, and SiC — the primary commercial analogue to Fraunhofer IAF's contract epitaxy and wafer-services business across the same materials.
Quantum Brilliance GmbH: Germany-based spin-out developing room-temperature diamond-based quantum accelerators using NV and other vacancy centers. Active consortium partner in both SPINUS and SPINNING projects alongside Fraunhofer IAF — the closest commercial peer in Fraunhofer's diamond quantum pathway.

Regional players

Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research: Stuttgart-based academic research institute conducting fundamental and applied research in solid-state physics, condensed matter, and quantum materials. Comparable regional research mission and complementary technical scope to Fraunhofer IAF's compound semiconductor and quantum materials work.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics financial estimates

Financial estimate

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics leadership team

Management profile

Number of profiles

Profiles4 records

Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics funding detail

Funding detail

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics M&A and investment

M&A and investment

M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics

What does Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics do?

Is Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics a public or private company?

Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.

When was Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics founded?

Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics was founded in 1957. It employs 101 to 250 people.

Where is Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics based?

Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics is headquartered in Freiburg, Germany, in the Europe region.

How does Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics make money?

Three revenue lines are on record. Public Research Funding & Grants are the primary driver. The others are contract Research & Development Services and technology Licensing & Transfer.

Who are Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics's main competitors?

Broad incumbents on record are Qorvo, Rohde & Schwarz and Wolfspeed. Aixtron is listed as an others. Direct peers are imec, CEA-Leti, Fraunhofer IIS, IQE plc and Quantum Brilliance GmbH. Max Planck Institute for Solid State Research is listed as a regional player.

Does Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics have an API?

No public API is recorded for Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics.

What industry is Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics in?

Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics's product category is Compound Semiconductor Research & Development. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDAHACAJ, Foundry Platform & Design Enablement Services (PDK/DFM/Process Qualification). Its NAICS code is 5417 and its SIC code is 8731.